July 2016 Miami Restaurant Openings and Closings

Miami summers are challenging for the local restaurant industry, with small eateries typically finding it difficult to stay afloat until high season. Many restaurants survive by the skin of their teeth, relying on themed dinners and the Miami Spice program, which runs August 1 through September 30 for much-needed business.

Some restaurants, however, shutter. This weekend, the Fed abruptly closed its doors. The restaurant, helmed by Cesar Zapata and Aniece Meinhold, opened as the Federal Food Drink & Provisions in January 2012 and was prominently featured on the Tom Colicchio-hosted Bravo series America's Best New Restaurant. The eatery recently received a new look and lighter menu, reopening as the Fed this past May. But a rework of the menu wasn't enough for the restaurant to make it, and the following message was posted on Facebook:

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Today @thefedmia says goodbye! This has been one of the most difficult & sad decisions of my life! We thank all of our guests for their support; these last five years have been for you. Everyone that dedicated their time and effort on building The Federal and what it became. We celebrate the joyful moments we were able to create - anniversaries, birthdays, first dates, engagements, really any day our guests allowed us to be part of. We celebrate all of the accomplishments, accolades and successes we were able to achieve. This chapter closes but it will not be forgotten! THE JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY! From the Federal Team we say till next time! See u at @PhucYea!

Fast-casual Maoz Vegetarian, along with the iconic S&S Diner South, also shuttered.

There were several key openings in July. Biscayne Bay Brewing Company finally debuted its taproom, Vagabond Kitchen & Bar received new managers and a new chef, and Sugar opened at East, Miami.

Chef Alex Stupak is shopping for a location in Miami for a taco restaurant.

Joël Robuchon is opening eateries in the Design District.

Arjun Wanjey, a partner at Zuma and Coya, will open a French restaurant in Brickell this year.

Jose Garces is rumored to be opening a Miami restaurant.

Alfredo Patino plans to open a French concept on 79th Street.

EmbarekAlibay will open a café adjacent to his La Parisienne Bakery (1909 NE 154th St., North Miami Beach).

Geoffrey Zakarian is opening a restaurant at the Diplomat in Hallandale Beach.

Marcus Samuelsson and his team are going forward with a proposed restaurant in Overtown.

A 38,000-square-foot Italian food market will open at Brickell City Centre.

Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times, has been featured on Cooking Channel's Eat Street and Food Network's Great Food Truck Race. She won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature about what it's like to wait tables.